Current Projects

Sun Valley Economic Development is involved in a number of projects which can positively impact the economic vitality of the community. Projects can range from short-term analysis of business development options to longer term programs that track the economic health of the Sun Valley region. Individual Projects are highlighted below.

The debate about the future of air services in the Wood River Valley has largely taken place in the absence of solid economic facts. Sun Valley Economic Development has organized several forums and conducted economic analysis which explore the local economic impact of air services. The results have been critical in educating voters and the general public, leading to expanded air service and much-needed dollars for marketing.

A culinary initiative in the Wood River Valley could build on the existing resources of great local restaurants, a budding foodie culture, and the College of Southern Idaho’s academic culinary arts and hospitality programs to create a unique enterprise in Idaho and the intermountain West.

Olympic & Paralympic Training Site Develop Potential (OPTS) The Sun Valley Region was designated as the 15th U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Site in October 2012. SVED will work with the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation as Local Operator together with its designated partners to identify, evaluate and to implement select business opportunities in focus areas. Photo: Nils Ribi

Economic Statistics (Stats) Sun Valley Economic Development (SVED) compiles and prepares reliable, timely, and relevant economic statistics for distribution to potential in-coming businesses, businesses seeking to expand, and other organizations. SVED is the first and only organization to prepare these annual economic profiles, which can be downloaded under Our Economy

Local businesses are the engine of a regional economy. They create jobs, provide goods and services to residents and visitors, generate tax revenues, and in general are a reflection of the economic vitality of a region. One of the challenges for local businesses, both existing and new, is finding capital to grow their businesses. Sun Valley Economic Development (SVED) believes that finding ways to support investments in local businesses could be a key driver to the growth of the Sun Valley regional economy, and has sponsored the development of a Local Investment Program (LIP) to address this need.

The Business Mentors and Advisors Program (MAP) matches seasoned
mentors/advisors to entrepreneurs and businesses in the Sun Valley region to foster
innovation and economic growth. MAP was created by Sun Valley Economic
Development, in partnership with the Ketchum Community Development
Corporation’s Ketchum Innovation Center and the Boise State University Office of
University and Industry Ventures.